Strap
/stræp/
nounverbA2
Definition
A strap is usually made of leather, cloth, or plastic and is used to tie, hold, or carry objects. For example, a bag can have a strap to carry it on your shoulder. When you strap something, you fasten it tightly with a strap or band to keep it in place.
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See It in Action
Noun: A long, narrow band used to hold or carry something
- •She carried her bag by the leather strap.
- •The watch strap broke, so I had to fix it.
- •The suitcase has a strap to keep it closed.
Verb: To fasten or secure something with a strap or band
- •Please strap your helmet before riding the bike.
- •He strapped the boxes together to carry them easily.
- •The child was strapped into the car seat for safety.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "strap" like "belt" (A1 word), but smaller or used for many things, not just clothes
- ✓Picture a watch with a thin band around your wrist or a backpack with shoulder straps
- ✓It feels safe and secure, like when you fasten your seatbelt in a car to keep you safe
- ✓Sounds like "strap" → imagine wrapping a strong band tightly around a box to keep it closed
- ✓Think of stories where someone ties a package or fastens sandals with straps to keep them on feet
- ✓NOT like "rope" (thicker and used for pulling or tying big things), a strap is thinner and often soft
- ✓NOT like "zipper" (closes by teeth), a strap holds things by wrapping and fastening
- ✓NOT like "string" (very thin and weak), a strap is stronger and wider
Try Other Words
- •Band: a flat strip used to hold things together (Use when the material is elastic or for decoration)
- •Tie: to fasten with string or rope (Use when the fastening is done with thin string or cord)
- •Fasten: to close or secure something (Use when focusing on the action of making something tight or closed)
- •Belt: a band worn around the waist (Use for clothing accessories)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: No prefix or suffix; root word "strap"
- •Etymology: From Old English "stræpp" meaning a strip of leather or cloth used for fastening
- •Historical development: Used since early English times to describe fastening bands for clothes, armor, or tools
- •Modern usage: Commonly used for bags, watches, shoes, safety devices, and many fastening purposes
- •Key insight: A simple, practical object used every day to hold or carry things safely and comfortably
Reflect & Connect
•How do different kinds of straps change the way we carry or use objects in daily life?
•Can you think of a time when a strap helped you feel safer or more comfortable?
Fill in the blanks
1.Before starting the bike ride, you should always strap your ___ to protect your head.
2.The bag’s strap was too short, so I had to ___ it to carry the bag comfortably.
3.Unlike a zipper, a strap holds things together by ___ around them.
4.She strapped the boxes ___ to carry many at once without dropping them.
5.The watch strap was made of leather, which made it feel ___ on the wrist.
6.When the seatbelt alarm rang, he quickly ___ his seatbelt to stop the noise.
7.If a strap is too loose, it will not ___ the object properly and may fall off.